on the debate. i saw senator hatch, bob portman who played a crucial role in helping mitt romney prepare for this debate, reportedly playing the role of the president. i see a number of reporters like our own ed henry walking by. on the other side of the hall, hard to make out from here, a limited number of cameras with me, but the obama forces, bob gibbs, nancy pelosi, appointly making her way into the room soon. here's what happens in the spin room and that alley really, spin alley, is they all get out there, the reporters leave the seats. it looks like appbst telethon. they are not getting free tote bags. these are the people who are going to decide whether this succeeded, trying to make out who is who. who is coming in? mitt romney and his family, his five sons, 18 grandchildren. that's them leaving the room now. barack obama as well. sarah palin on the phone with us right now i believe. the former alaska governor. governor, what did you think? >> caller: oh, it was a struggle to watch some parts of this, neil, as you considered president obama with his lack of enthusiasm for his own